Devices and methods to disintegrate foods

ABSTRACT

A device to disintegrate comestible articles, comprising: a containment vessel with a floor and generally tubular sidewalls projecting upwardly from the floor, the sidewalls having a central longitudinal axis, a power rotated agitator disposed within the containment vessel above and proximate to the floor, having a rotational axis, and operable to both agitate and disintegrate comestible articles placed within the containment vessel, a power source, configured to rotate the agitator, a support housing which encloses the power source which is structured to removably mount the containment vessel. The containment vessel is canted relative to the motor shaft. Output of the containment vessel is filtered. A resiliently closed opening into the containment is formed in the vessel lid. A food handling mechanism introduces comestible articles into the containment vessel. A support mechanism mounts vessels below a device outlet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject application is directed toward devices which extract pulpand juice as well as other constituent components from foods such asfruits and vegetables.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Devices to disintegrate foods are very common today. Such devicesinclude, but are not limited to: juicers, blenders, and food processors.Essentially, these devices feed foods, including, but not limited to,fruits and vegetables, into a machine which mechanically disintegratesthe foods. Many of these devices have feed chutes. Also shared in commonby many of these devices is a rotating shredder element which chopsand/or grinds the foods.

One of the most common devices to disintegrate foods is the centrifugaltype juicer. These devices typically have a generally vertical feedchute which is open at the top and terminates at its open lower end justabove a motor powered horizontal shredding disc. Most of these shreddingdiscs are simply flat plates with sharp protrusions facing upward. Asfood is fed through the feed chute, it is pushed by gravity and/or by ahand powered pusher plunger placed facing downward at the top of thechute. These pushing forces propel the food onto the top of theshredding disc where the sharp upward facing protrusions grind apart thefood.

The shredded food is propelled outward radially from the center of theshredding disc by centrifugal force, until the shredded food hits afilter screen which is formed in the shape of an inverted truncated conewith its broader face being open and directed upwards. The truncatedcone is attached to the shredding disc along the cone's lower smallerface which is positioned resting against the outer perimeter of theshredding disc.

The rotation of the truncated cone filter screen through centrifugalforce, forces liquids, including juices, through the filter screen andinto a collection vessel, while simultaneously directing solids, such aspulp, to be propelled diagonally upward, outward, and over the upperperimeter edge of the open broader face of the truncated cone, where itis collected in a collection bin.

The net result of the above actions is the separation of liquids fromsolids within the foods.

These centrifugal juicers are inexpensive to produce. They also producejuice relatively quickly when compared to other designs.

However, typically they have several shortcomings.

To begin with, their truncated conical filter screens load up veryquickly with pulp which reduces their efficiency and is very difficultto clean, especially if the pulp clogged in the screens is not cleanedimmediately after juicing.

Also, even though there have been great strides in recent years inincreasing the size of the feed chutes, and thus decreasing foodpreparation time because foods no longer have to be cut to a small sizecompared to using a small feed chute, some food cutting preparation isstill required for larger foods.

Ironically, the new larger feed chutes found on newer centrifugaljuicers, which offer convenience to juicer users, also introduce asafety hazard to the same users because the size of the new chutes islarge enough to allow a child's hand to pass through the chute and intocontact with the rapidly rotating shredder disc.

A further typical disadvantage of current centrifugal juicers is that aliquid collecting receptacle must be placed adjacent to the juicer tocatch juices immediately as the juice is produced, because these juicersgenerally do not have any onboard ability to collect and store juices.

These juice collecting receptacles usually have the disadvantage thatfresh juices collected within them typically separate within a fewminutes thus losing their fresh taste and pleasing appearance. This isbecause there is generally nothing within or about such receptacles tomix and/or agitate the freshly made juice to prevent separation fromoccurring or to mix the juice once separation has occurred.

Further, many centrifugal type juicers have low pour spouts which don'tpermit normal height glasses to be placed beneath them. Such juicersmust rely on resting on a wood block or other such pedestal to fillnormal height glasses, or the user must find and use a specialreceptacle which has a low height upper rim which can fit below the pourspout.

Those juicers that have pour spouts which are high enough to fill anormal height glass, are generally difficult to store due to thejuicer's height.

In addition, many juicers force their users to waste precious timebefore removing their glass while waiting for the juicer's pour spoutsto stop dripping after juice has been dispensed.

Another typical disadvantage of current centrifugal type juicers is thatparticles of the foods fed down the feed chute can hit the fast spinningshredding disc and be thrown back at high speed through the feed chuteat the juicer user causing messes on the user and/or adjacentcountertops, as well as resulting in a safety hazard to the juicer userfrom being hit by fast-moving ejected food particles.

Centrifugal type juicers also can get jammed on food because there is noway to move the food around in relationship to the shredding disc. Theonly option offered by most centrifugal type juicers to free food jammedwithin the feed chute is to push down harder on the juicer's pusherplunger. Such pushing may relieve the problem, or it may compact thefood within the chute and make the problem worse.

Juicing efficiency within juicers is always an issue because it affectsthe cost of juice produced. Centrifugal juicers are only moderatelyefficient when compared with other designs, because they leavesignificant amounts of juice and moisture within their waste. Thisefficiency is reduced as mentioned earlier when the truncated conefilter screen becomes filled with pulp. Efficiency is also lost becauseshredding of the food within a centrifugal juicer takes place in onlyone stage so any juice which is not extracted at this first and onlystage is permanently lost.

Many of the disadvantages of centrifugal juicers are shared in commonwith other food preparation devices such as, but not limited to,blenders and food processors. Such disadvantages include, but are notlimited to, issues involving feeding foods into the device, extractingprocessed foods from the device, the height of ejector chutes, as wellas other safety, use and storage issues.

The example embodiments described herein are designed to address manyknown problems, including, but not limited to, those listed above, foundin many of today's food preparation devices. Some of the embodimentsdescribed herein also go beyond this to suggest improvements on thefunctionality of food preparation devices.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The subject application is directed to a food processing device that isconfigured to extract juice from a food item. The device includes aninlet configured to accept food items. The device further includes adisintegrator coupled to the inlet and configured to disintegrate fooditems passed through the inlet. The device also includes a separatorthat accepts the disintegrated food items and separates out the liquidcomponents from the food item. The device also includes a reservoir thatis coupled to the separator and is configured to hold liquid componentsof the food item. The reservoir includes a translucent member forviewing of liquid levels within the reservoir, and a valved outlet. Thevalved outlet is configured to allow or prevent the flow of liquid fromthe reservoir through the valved outlet.

Still other advantages, aspects and features of the subject applicationwill become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing description wherein there is shown and described a preferredembodiment of the subject application, simply by way of illustration ofone of the best modes best suited to carry out the subject application.As it will be realized, the subject application is capable of otherdifferent embodiments and its several details are capable ofmodifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from thescope of the subject application. Accordingly, the drawings anddescriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not asrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject application is described with reference to certain figures,including:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a food preparation device according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 2 is a further illustration of the food preparation device of FIG.1 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 3 is another illustration of the food preparation device of FIG. 1and FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an adjustable height base of a foodpreparation device according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 5 is a further illustration of the adjustable height base of thefood preparation device of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 6 is another illustration of the adjustable height base of the foodpreparation device of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 according to one embodiment ofthe subject application;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an adjustable height base of a foodpreparation device according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 8 is a further illustration of the adjustable height base of thefood preparation device of FIG. 7 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the adjustable height base of the foodpreparation device of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 according to one embodiment ofthe subject application;

FIG. 9A is an enlargement illustration of the adjustable height base ofthe food preparation device of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an adjustable height base of a foodpreparation device according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 11 is a further illustration of the adjustable height base of thefood preparation device of FIG. 10 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of the adjustable height base of the foodpreparation device of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 according to one embodiment ofthe subject application;

FIG. 12A is an enlargement illustration of the adjustable height base ofthe food preparation device of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment ofthe subject application;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a pour spout configuration of a foodpreparation device according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 13a is an enlargement illustration of the pour spout configurationof the food preparation device of FIG. 13 according to one embodiment ofthe subject application;

FIG. 13b is an enlargement illustration of the pour spout configurationof the food preparation device of FIG. 13 according to one embodiment ofthe subject application;

FIG. 13c is an enlargement illustration of the pour spout configurationof the food preparation device of FIG. 13 according to one embodiment ofthe subject application;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a valve controlled liquid dispensing spoutconfiguration of a food preparation device according to one embodimentof the subject application;

FIG. 14a is an enlargement illustration of the valve controlled liquiddispensing spout configuration of the food preparation device of FIG. 14according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 14b is an enlargement illustration of the valve controlled liquiddispensing spout configuration of the food preparation device of FIG. 14according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 14c is an enlargement illustration of the valve controlled liquiddispensing spout configuration of the food preparation device of FIG. 14according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a liquid dispensing outlet configurationof a food preparation device according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 15a is an enlargement illustration of the liquid dispensing outletconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 15 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 15b is an enlargement illustration of the liquid dispensing outletconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 15 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 15c is an enlargement illustration of the liquid dispensing outletconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 15 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a liquid output passage configuration of afood preparation device according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 16a is an enlargement illustration of the liquid output passageconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 16 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 16b is an enlargement illustration of the liquid output passageconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 16 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 16c is an enlargement illustration of the liquid output passageconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 16 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged illustration of the liquid output passageconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 16 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged illustration of the liquid output passageconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 16 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a liquid output passage configuration of afood preparation device according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 19a is an enlargement illustration of the liquid output passageconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 19 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 19b is an enlargement illustration of the liquid output passageconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 19 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 19c is an enlargement illustration of the liquid output passageconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 19 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged illustration of the liquid output passageconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 19 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged illustration of the liquid output passageconfiguration of the food preparation device of FIG. 19 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a centrifugal juicer shredding disc havinga diagonally disposed triangular blade of a food preparation deviceaccording to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 23 is another view of the centrifugal juicer shredding disc havinga diagonally disposed triangular blade of a food preparation device ofFIG. 22 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 24 is an illustration of a centrifugal juicer shredding disc havinga bent triangular blade of a food preparation device according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 25 is another view of the centrifugal juicer shredding disc havinga bent triangular blade of a food preparation device of FIG. 24according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 26 is an illustration of a centrifugal juicer shredding disc havinga short pin and a long pin mounted adjacent to the center of the disc ofa food preparation device according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 27 is another view of the centrifugal juicer shredding disc havinga short pin and a long pin mounted adjacent to the center of the disc ofa food preparation device of FIG. 26 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 28 is an illustration of a centrifugal juicer shredding disc havinga central vertically disposed triangular blade of a food preparationdevice according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 29 is an illustration of a centrifugal juicer according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 29a is an enlargement illustration of an interchangeable filtercone and a filter mesh configuration of the centrifugal juicer of FIG.29 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 29b is an enlargement illustration of an interchangeable filtercone and a filter mesh configuration of the centrifugal juicer of FIG.29 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 30 is an illustration of a centrifugal juicer having a pusherplunger according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 31 is another view of the illustration of the centrifugal juicerhaving a pusher plunger of FIG. 30 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 32 is a view of the illustration of the centrifugal juicer having apusher plunger of FIG. 30 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 33 is a further view of the illustration of the centrifugal juicerhaving a pusher plunger of FIG. 30 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 34 is another view of the illustration of the centrifugal juicerhaving a pusher plunger of FIG. 30 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 35 is a view of the illustration of the centrifugal juicer having apusher plunger of FIG. 30 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 36 is another view of the illustration of the centrifugal juicerhaving a pusher plunger of FIG. 30 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 37 is a view of the illustration of the centrifugal juicer having apusher plunger of FIG. 30 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 38 is another view of the illustration of the centrifugal juicerhaving a pusher plunger of FIG. 30 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 38a is an enlargement of conical filter 322 of FIG. 38.

FIG. 39 is an illustration of a perspective view of a centrifugal juicerhaving a feed chute according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 40 is a further perspective view of the illustration of thecentrifugal juicer having a feed chute of FIG. 39 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 41 is another perspective view of the illustration of thecentrifugal juicer having a feed chute of FIG. 39 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 42 is a front x-ray view of the illustration of the centrifugaljuicer having a feed chute of FIG. 39 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 43 is an illustration of a centrifugal juicer having a pusherplunger that is contoured on a bottom surface according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 44 is an illustration of a centrifugal juicer having a pusherplunger that is contoured on a bottom surface according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 44a is an illustration of the centrifugal juicer having a pusherplunger that is contoured on the bottom surface of FIG. 44 according toone embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 45 is an illustration of a perspective view of a centrifugal juicerwhich uses a cleaning brush according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 46 is another perspective view of the centrifugal juicer which usesa cleaning brush of FIG. 45 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the underside of the lid of thecentrifugal juicer which uses a cleaning brush of FIG. 45 according toone embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 48 is an illustration of a perspective view of a centrifugal juicerhaving a wiper attached to a bottom of a pusher plunger according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 49 is an illustration of another perspective view of thecentrifugal juicer having a wiper attached to the bottom of the pusherplunger of FIG. 48 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 50 is an illustration of an underside perspective view of thecentrifugal juicer with the wiper ready to be inserted into the bottomof the pusher plunger of FIG. 48 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 51 is an illustration of an underside perspective view of thecentrifugal juicer having the wiper fully inserted in the bottom of thepusher plunger of FIG. 48 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 52 is an illustration of a perspective view of a centrifugal juicerhaving a push button leaf spring returned cleaning brush insertedthrough a slot in a lid according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 53 is an illustration of another perspective view the centrifugaljuicer having a push button leaf spring returned cleaning brush of FIG.52 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 54 is an illustration of a further perspective view the centrifugaljuicer having a push button leaf spring returned cleaning brush of FIG.52 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 55 is an illustration of a perspective view the centrifugal juicerhaving a push button leaf spring returned cleaning brush of FIG. 52according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 56 is an illustration of another perspective view the centrifugaljuicer having a push button leaf spring returned cleaning brush of FIG.52 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 57 is an illustration of another perspective view the centrifugaljuicer having a push button leaf spring returned cleaning brush of FIG.52 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 58 is an illustration of a perspective view of a centrifugal juicerhaving inward directed pliable vertical ribs within a feed chuteaccording to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 59 is another illustration of a perspective view of the centrifugaljuicer having inward directed pliable vertical ribs within the feedchute of FIG. 58 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 60 is an illustration of an overhead perspective view of thecentrifugal juicer having inward directed pliable vertical ribs withinthe feed chute of FIG. 58 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 61 is an illustration of a direct overhead perspective view of thecentrifugal juicer having inward directed pliable vertical ribs withinthe feed chute of FIG. 58 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 62 is an illustration of a perspective top view of the centrifugaljuicer having a food item inserted therein of FIG. 58 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 63 is an illustration of a direct overhead perspective view of thecentrifugal juicer of FIG. 62 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 64 is an illustration of a perspective view of a centrifugal juicerhaving a segmented pliable sheet cover insert member over an entry to afeed chute according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 65 is an illustration of the perspective view of the centrifugaljuicer of FIG. 64 having the pliable sheet insert member and pusherplunger fully inserted into the feed chute according to one embodimentof the subject application;

FIG. 66 is an illustration of an overhead perspective view of thecentrifugal juicer having the segmented pliable sheet cover insertmember over the entry to the feed chute of FIG. 64 according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 67 is an illustration of an overhead perspective view of thecentrifugal juicer having a segmented pliable sheet cover insert memberover an entry to a feed chute of FIG. 64 with a food item insertedtherein according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 68 is an illustration of a centrifugal juicer according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 69 is an illustration of an exploded view of the centrifugal juicerof FIG. 68 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 70 is an illustration of another exploded view of the centrifugaljuicer of FIG. 68 and FIG. 69 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 71 is an illustration of an x-ray side view of the centrifugaljuicer of FIG. 68, FIG. 69, and FIG. 70 according to one embodiment ofthe subject application;

FIG. 71A is an enlargement illustration of the centrifugal juicer ofFIG. 71 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 72 is an illustration of a centrifugal juicer according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 73 is another illustration of the centrifugal juicer of FIG. 72according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 74 is an illustration of a perspective view of the centrifugaljuicer of FIG. 72 and FIG. 73 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 75a is an illustration of an overhead view of the centrifugaljuicer of FIG. 72, FIG. 73, and FIG. 74 according to one embodiment ofthe subject application;

FIG. 75b is another illustration of an overhead view of the centrifugaljuicer of FIG. 72, FIG. 73, and FIG. 74 according to one embodiment ofthe subject application;

FIG. 76 is an illustration of an exploded view of the centrifugal juicerof FIG. 72 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 77 is an illustration of a perspective view of a food item beingpushed through a segmented pliable sheet feed chute cover of acentrifugal juicer according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 78 is an illustration of a perspective view of a gripping pushingplunger with respect to the feed chute of the centrifugal juicer of FIG.77 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 79 is an illustration of a perspective view of the gripping pushingplunger fully depressed with respect to the feed chute of thecentrifugal juicer of FIG. 77 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 80 is an illustration of a lower front perspective view of thecentrifugal juicer of FIG. 77 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 80a is an illustration of an expanded view of the food item andgripping pushing plunger of the centrifugal juicer of FIG. 80 accordingto one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 81 is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of thecentrifugal juicer of FIGS. 77-80 a according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 82 is an illustration of a centrifugal juicer having an alternategripping pusher plunger and feed chute according to one embodiment ofthe subject application;

FIG. 83 is an illustration of a below front perspective view of thegripping pushing plunger of the centrifugal juicer of FIG. 82 accordingto one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 84 is an illustration of an above behind perspective view of thegripping pusher plunger of the centrifugal juicer of FIG. 82 and FIG. 83according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 85 is an illustration of a perspective view of a centrifugal juicerhaving a pivoting feed chute according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 86 is an illustration of another perspective view of thecentrifugal juicer having a pivoting feed chute of FIG. 85 according toone embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 87 is an illustration of a perspective of a blender according toone embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 88 is an illustration of an x-ray perspective view of the blenderof FIG. 87 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 89 is an illustration of a right-side view of the blender of FIG.87 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 90 is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of theblender of FIG. 87 according to one embodiment of the subjectapplication;

FIG. 90a is an illustration of an expanded-ray view of the blender ofFIG. 90 according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 91 is an illustration of a gripping pusher plunger for use in ablender according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 92 is an illustration of a perspective view of a blender and thegripping pusher plunger of FIG. 91 according to one embodiment of thesubject application;

FIG. 93 is an illustration of a perspective view of a blender whereinthe gripping pusher plunger of FIG. 91 and FIG. 92 has been insertedaccording to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 94 is an illustration of a perspective view of a blender having apivoting support platform incorporated therein according to oneembodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 95 is an illustration of a perspective view of the blender of FIG.94 having the support platform extended according to one embodiment ofthe subject application;

FIG. 96 is an illustration of a perspective view of a blender having atelescoping support platform incorporated therein according to oneembodiment of the subject application; and

FIG. 97 is an illustration of a perspective view of the blender of FIG.96 having the telescoping support platform extended according to oneembodiment of the subject application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENTINVENTION

Several preferred embodiments of the subject application are describedherein. Each alone or in combination addresses problems and designopportunities found in current food preparation devices. Except asnoted, preferred embodiments are illustrated as centrifugal type juiceextractors.

FIGS. 1 through 12, and including FIG. 9 enlargement, 9 a, and FIG. 12enlargement, 12 a, are perspective views that show mechanisms to raisepour spout heights for easy dispensing of liquids while simultaneouslyoffering compactness during storage. In general these designs raise thefood preparation device using a support member which can telescope overthe main body to a more compact configuration to reduce the spacerequired to ship and store the food preparation device.

FIGS. 13 through 21 show various pour spout configurations. FIGS. 13,14, 15, 16, and 19, including FIG. 13 enlargements, 13 a, 13 b, and 13c; and FIG. 14 enlargements, 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c; and FIG. 15enlargements, 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c; and FIG. 16 enlargements, 16 a, 16b, and 16 c; and FIG. 19 enlargements, 19 a, 19 b, and 19 c are allperspective views. FIGS. 17, 18, 20, and 21 are cross-sections asindicated in the forward perspective views. In general, these pour spoutconfigurations have a liquid flow control valve to turn on and off theflow of liquid from the device's internal liquid collecting vessel. Eachliquid flow control valve along with the configuration of each liquidegress passage help quickly terminate liquid flow from the devices andthus reduce the time needed before a glass or other liquid collectingreceptacle can be removed from below the spout without resulting in thespout dripping on a countertop.

These pour spout configurations also allow the liquid flow control valveto be activated and deactivated using movement of a glass or otherliquid collecting receptacle placed beneath them.

Because these pour spouts can completely block the flow of liquids fromthe devices, these pour spouts also may allow storage of liquids withinthe embodiments before the liquids are dispensed into a glass or otherliquid collecting receptacle, thus eliminating the need to have a liquidcollecting receptacle positioned below the liquid egress passagewhenever juicing takes place.

FIGS. 22 through 28 show centrifugal juicers with shredder discconfigurations that have central shredder disc configurations designedto hasten and make more efficient shredding. Each shredder disc, exceptfor the one shown in FIG. 28, is shown with its inverted truncated coneshaped filter element. FIGS. 22, 24, 26 and 28 are perspective views.FIGS. 23, 25, and 27 are plan views.

FIG. 29 as well as FIGS. 29a and 29b are forward perspective views thatillustrate utilizing variable filter mesh configurations to limit orincrease the amount of pulp within extracted juices.

FIGS. 30 through 38, including FIG. 38 enlargement, FIG. 38a ,illustrate a preferred embodiment incorporating many of theaforementioned devices and designs as well as illustrating new devicesand designs. FIGS. 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, and 38 a are perspectiveviews. FIGS. 31, 33, and 35 are cross-sections as indicated in theforward perspective views. These devices and designs include: anadjustable height base and a liquid outlet passage with a flow controlvalve. The preferred embodiment also incorporates: a reservoir to retainjuices before they are dispensed from the embodiment, a hand poweredlever pusher plunger which activates a safety interlock switch; and amixing and agitation element to help prevent juice separation fromoccurring and/or to mix juice once separation has occurred.

FIGS. 39 through 42 illustrate a rocking feed chute which moves foodsbeing shredded across the shredding disc to facilitate faster shredding.FIG. 39 is a perspective view with the feed chute exploded off. FIGS. 40and 41 are perspective views with FIG. 41 showing the rocking motion ofthe feed chute ghosted in. FIG. 42 is a front x-ray view. FIG. 42 showsthe rocking motion of the feed chute ghosted in.

FIGS. 43 through 44, including FIG. 44 enlargement, 44 a, areperspective views that illustrate pusher plunger configurations whichhelp prevent foods being shredded from rotating.

FIGS. 45 through 57 illustrate the use of various wiping devices toclean the conical filter screen, and, in some embodiments, the shredderdisc. FIGS. 45 through 54 are perspective views. FIGS. 55 through 57 aresections as indicated in the perspective views. Each wiping deviceaccomplishes cleaning by using a wiping member, such as a brush or aflexible or rigid wiper, to wipe against the inside of the truncatedconical filter screen, and, in some embodiments, simultaneously againstthe shredder disc, while the motor powering the shredder disc andcoupled conical filter screen is activated.

FIGS. 58 through 63 show modifications to the feed chute which mayreduce undesired food movement, including, but not limited to, foodrotation. These modifications may also reduce the ejection of foodparticles from the feed chute. FIGS. 58 through 60 and FIG. 62 areperspective views. FIGS. 61 and 63 are plan views. This reduction offood rotation and ejected food particles is accomplished through use ofa plurality of inward directed vertical flexible fins which contactfoods being fed into the feed chute.

FIGS. 64 through 67 are perspective views which show a flexiblesegmented diaphragm which extends generally horizontally across the feedchute to help prevent the ejection of food particles from the feedchute. This feature also helps to hold food and prevent undesired foodmovement, including, but not limited to, food rotation.

FIGS. 68 through 71 illustrate a two-stage liquid extraction system withthe first stage being accomplished in a conventional way of shreddingfoods by pushing them against a rotating shredding disc andcentrifugally propelling the shredded foods against a inverted truncatedcone shaped filter screen. The second stage starts midway up theinverted truncated cone shaped filter screen where the shredded foodsare squeezed through a tapering annular passage and optionally are alsorun against one or more shredding surfaces. FIGS. 68 through 70 areexploded perspective views with the liquid collection vessel removed toshow the truncated conical filter more clearly. FIG. 71 is across-section as indicated in the perspective views. FIG. 71a is anenlargement of a portion of FIG. 71 as indicated in FIG. 71.

FIGS. 72 through 76 show a feed chute with 2 different sized feedopenings. The larger feed opening is accomplished with safety byincorporating a safety interlock switch which detects the presence orlack of presence of the smaller feed opening. The smaller feed opening,along with its pusher plunger, alone or together, may also act as apusher plunger to help feed foods through the larger feed opening. FIGS.72 through 74 are perspective views. FIGS. 75a and 75b are plan viewsections as indicated in the perspective views. FIG. 76 is a perspectiveexploded view.

FIG. 77 through FIG. 81 illustrate a pusher plunger which has arms togrip food being shredded. FIGS. 77 through 81, including FIG. 80a whichis an enlarged portion of FIG. 80, are perspective views.

FIGS. 82 through 84 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a pusherplunger which grips food being shredded. FIG. 83 is a forwardperspective view and FIG. 84 a rear perspective view of the pusherplunger.

FIGS. 85 and 86 are perspective views which show a feed chute which hasa hinge which allows the feed chute to tip over for compact storage.

FIGS. 87 through 90 show a blender type device with: an inclined motorto potentially improve blending speed and quality, and increaseembodiment stability; multiple filter screens to vary the amount of pulpwithin dispensed liquids; and two exemplary embodiments of segmentedresilient diaphragm shredding chamber lids to reduce unwanted ejectionof food particles from the shredding chamber.

FIG. 87 is a perspective view. FIG. 88 is an x-ray perspective view fromthe viewpoint of FIG. 87. FIG. 89 is a cross-section as shown in theperspective view. FIG. 90 is an exploded perspective view. And FIG. 90ais an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 90, showing an article of foodbeing pushed through one of the exemplary lids shown in FIG. 90.

FIGS. 91 through 93 show the use of a gripping pusher plunger withextending arms in a blender type device. FIGS. 91 through 93 areperspective views.

FIGS. 94 and 95 are perspective views which show a support platformwhich hinges down from the front of a blender type device to improveembodiment stability and convenience of use while promoting compactstorage.

FIGS. 96 and 97 are perspective views which show another supportplatform which slides out from the front of a blender type device, alsoto improve embodiment stability and convenience of use while promotingcompact storage.

For brevity sake herein, where similar devices are used on differentpreferred embodiments, the features, advantages, alternatives, anddescriptions of such devices is not repeated for each preferredembodiment, but rather a person knowledgeable in the art would know thatfor such preferred embodiments, such features, advantages, alternativesand descriptions should be associated, alone or in combination with thefeatures, advantages, alternatives and descriptions additionally foundin each preferred embodiment.

As a nonlimiting example, segmented pliable sheet cover 482 is describedin detail in FIGS. 64 through 67 and in the text herein which describesthose figures. Similar segmented pliable sheet covers are also shown atleast in FIGS. 77 through 79, 81, 84, 87, 88, 90, 90 a, 92, 93, and 94through 97. The features, advantages, alternatives, and descriptions ofeach segmented pliable sheet cover is not repeated for these figureswhich also show similar segmented pliable sheet covers. It should beunderstood, however, that such features, advantages, alternatives, anddescriptions are present wherever a segmented pliable sheet cover isshown. A more detailed description of the several embodiments of thesubject application, with respect to the figures referenced above, isillustrated hereinafter.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment One

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, food preparation device 100 is supportedby base 102. Food preparation device 100 may be a centrifugal type juiceextractor as illustrated, or it may be an alternative such as by way ofa non-limiting examples, a food processor or blender or other type offood processing device. Base 102 has generally vertical sidewalls 106 atits periphery. Generally horizontal partition 104 is asymmetricallyplaced vertically within vertical sidewalls 106 and divides the spacewithin vertical sidewalls 106 into 2 concavities, one being shallow andthe other being deep and occupying most of the interior space defined bysidewalls 106. Generally horizontal partition 104 may be contiguous ormay have openings penetrating some or most of its surface. Verticalsidewalls 106 are spaced wide enough apart to allow food preparationdevice 102 to telescope within vertical sidewalls 106.

FIG. 1 shows when food preparation device 100 is telescoped into thedeep concavity defined by sidewalls 106 and generally horizontalpartition 104. In this position the combination of food preparationdevice 100 and base 102 takes up little more space than food preparationdevice 100 alone. This compact configuration may make shipping andstorage easier.

FIG. 2 shows food preparation device 100 telescoped into base 102, withbase 102 being flipped over from the position for it shown in FIG. 1 sothat food preparation device 100 telescopes into the shallow concavitydefined by sidewalls 106 and generally horizontal partition 104. In thisposition pour spout 108 is elevated to allow taller liquid collectingvessels such as illustrative glass 110 to sit below and receive liquidfrom pour spout 108 (FIG. 2).

FIG. 3 shows food preparation device 100 lifted above base 102 with base102 flipped over 112 to the position shown in FIG. 2.

Snaps or latches may be used to hold base 102 to food preparation device100 in either or both of the compact and extended positions. Generallyvertical sidewalls 106 may be of various plan configurations includingcylindrical as shown, as well as other peripheral shapes such as, by wayof nonlimiting examples, square, rectangular, triangular or otherregular or irregular shapes. Likewise, the peripheral plan shape of foodpreparation device 100 which telescopes into base 102 may be varied tofit within such different shaped bases.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Two

FIGS. 4 through 6 illustrate adjustable height base 114 used to elevateand lower food preparation device 116. As shown in FIG. 6, base 114includes helical slots 118 and 120 which penetrate through generallyvertical sidewalls 122. At the top of helical slots 118 and 120 are twofinger grips which mirror each other, and only one of which, finger grip124, is shown. As is shown in FIG. 6 as well, food preparation device116 also has finger grip 126, which has a counterpart which isreplicated on the opposite side of food preparation device 116.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, food preparation device 116 telescopes withinadjustable height base 114. As also shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, finger grip126 projects through helical slot 118, and, not shown, its opposite sidecounterpart projects through helical slot 120. When finger grip 126 issqueezed 127 toward finger grip 124, and their opposite sidecounterparts are simultaneously squeezed toward one another, foodpreparation device 116 rotates and rises causing food preparation device116 to be elevated from its lower position which is shown in FIG. 4, toits upper raised position shown in FIG. 5. This in turn raises pourspout 128 to its upper position as shown in FIG. 5 allowing tallerliquid collecting receptacles such as exemplary glass 130 shown in FIG.5 to be placed beneath pour spout 128.

Downward facing detents at the top of helical slots 118 and 120, bysupporting finger grip 126 and opposite side counterpart, hold foodpreparation device 116 in its upper position.

This preferred embodiment offers simple two-handed operation and allowsbase 114 to be continuously integrated with food preparation device 116.

Finger grip 126 may be disengaged from helical slot 118 by pushing itinward. This is also true for their opposite counterparts. This allowsbase 114 to be separated from food preparation device 116 for cleaningor other purposes.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Three

FIGS. 7 through 9, and including FIG. 9 enlargement 9A, show anotherpreferred embodiment. Here, food preparation device 132 telescopesinside of, and raises and lowers vertically within, base 134 allowingtaller liquid collecting receptacles, such as exemplary glass 136 to beplaced below pour spout 138. Latch actuation button 140 is biasedoutward and rides within slot 142. This arrangement is imaged on theopposite side of base 134 and food preparation device 132 where a latchactuation button which is not shown rides within slot 144. Foodpreparation device 132 is raised within base 134 by finger pressurepulling latch actuation button 140 toward finger rest 146 andsimultaneously doing the same action with the latch actuation button notshown and finger rest 148. Latch claws 150 grip detents on the interiorof sidewalls 152 to hold food preparation device 132 in its raisedposition. Pressing in on latch actuation button 140 and the opposinglatch actuation button not shown located on the opposite side, causeslatch claws 152 to become disengaged from detents on the interior ofsidewalls 152, and thus allows food preparation device 132 totelescopically descend within base 132 to the more compact configurationshown in FIG. 7. This may aid in storage. Food preparation device 132may be lifted free of base 134 for cleaning or other purposes by liftingit out of base 134.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Four

FIGS. 10 through 12, and including FIG. 12 enlargement 12 a, showanother embodiment which raises and lowers food preparation device 154within base 155 so that in its raised position pour spout 156 can beraised above tall liquid collecting vessels, such as exemplary glass158; and in its lowered position shown in FIG. 10 it can be made morecompact for storage, shipping, or other purposes. Food preparationdevice 154 is raised within base 155 by finger pressure pulling latchactuation button 160 toward finger rest 162 and simultaneously doing thesame action with the latch actuation button not shown and finger rest164. Latch claws 166, including 3 other symmetrically mounted latchclaws not shown, grip detents 170 on the interior of sidewalls 168 tohold food preparation device 154 in its raised position. Pressing in onlatch actuation button 160 and the opposing latch actuation button notshown on the opposite side, causes latch claws 166 disengaged from gripdetents 170 on the interior of sidewalls 168, and thus allows foodpreparation device 154 to telescopically descend within base 132 to themore compact configuration shown in FIG. 10. This may aid in shippingand storage. Food preparation device 154 may be freed from base 155 forcleaning or other purposes by lifting it out of base 155.

The plan cross-section where food preparation device 154 telescopicallyoverlaps base 155 may be of any of many different geometries. Theseinclude not only the rectangular cross section shown, but also otherregular and irregular shapes including, but not limited to: circular,elliptical, polygonal, and any other appropriate shape.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Five

FIG. 13, in FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c which are enlargements of a portionof FIG. 13, show a preferred embodiment for a valve controlled liquiddispensing spout. Here, liquid dispensing chute 172 pivots up and down182, 184 on pins 174 and 176 which are disposed within pivot holes 178and 180. Downward pivoted chute movement 184 may be initiated by aliquid collecting vessel, such as by way of a nonlimiting example, aglass, pressing inward 186 against actuation lever 188, or it may beinitiated by putting downward pressure on the extended outer end ofchute 172, as a non-limiting example, using a finger.

Downward pivoted chute movement 184 results in pliable plug 190unplugging from plughole 192 and thus allowing liquid to escape fromliquid containment vessel 194 through plughole 192.

Upward pivoted chute movement 182 may be initiated with upward 182pressure on the extended outer end of chute 172, as a nonlimitingexample, using finger pressure or the upward movement of a rim of aliquid collecting vessel. Such upward pivoted chute movement 182 has aresult of pushing pliable plug 190 into plughole 192 and thus blockingthe passage of liquid through plughole 192 and thus closing the valveformed by plug 190 and plughole 192.

By rotationally leveling chute 172 and by stopping liquid flowing intoit, dripping from chute 172 after it stops dispensing is terminatedalmost immediately, thus saving the time normally spent waiting fordripping to stop.

This embodiment offers user convenience by both using finger movement,and alternatively using movement of the upper rim of a liquid collectingvessel, to initiate and stop the flow of liquid from the embodiment'sliquid dispensing chute.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Six

FIG. 14 and FIGS. 14a, 14b, and 14c which are enlargements of a portionof FIG. 14, show another preferred embodiment for a valve controlledliquid dispensing spout.

In this preferred embodiment food preparation device 196 has liquiddispensing outlet 198, which is comprised of slide 200 which slides up206 and down 208 in front of the first outlet orifice 202 which islocated on the front the main body of food preparation device 196. Slide200 has second outlet orifice 204 penetrating front to back through it.

First outlet orifice 202 has circumferential pliable seal 210 completelysurrounding its periphery. Circumferential pliable seal 210 forms aliquid tight barrier against the back of slide 200. When slide 200 is inits full up position as shown in FIG. 14a , second outlet orifice 204 iscompletely above circumferential pliable seal 220 resulting in the lowerportion of slide 200 forming a liquid tight seal across first outletorifice 202, and therefore shutting off the flow of any liquid throughfirst outlet orifice 202.

When slide 200 is lowered 208 to its lower position as shown in FIG. 14b, second outlet orifice 204 is directly in front of the first outletorifice 202, and therefore allows the flow of liquid through liquiddispensing outlet 198.

Finger grip 212 allows slide 200 to be manually raised 206 and lowered208. In addition, when slide 200 is in its lowered position, as shown inFIG. 14b , the rim of a liquid collecting vessel which liquid dispensingoutlet 198 is dispensing into can contact bottom portion 214 of secondoutlet orifice 204 and push slide 200 upward 206 to the positioned shownin FIG. 14a , and consequently shut off the flow of liquid throughliquid dispensing outlet 198. This is a convenience for the user.

Ears 216 and 218 may be manually pushed toward each other to disengageslide 200 from the main body of food preparation device 196 for cleaningor other purposes.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Seven

FIG. 15, and including enlargements of FIG. 15, FIG. 15a , FIG. 15b ,and FIG. 15c , show a preferred embodiment of a liquid dispensing outlet220.

Food preparation device 222 includes liquid collection vessel 224 withdispensing outlet 220 on its forward lower face. As shown in FIGS. 15a,15b, and 15c , dispensing outlet 220 includes slide 226 and alsoincludes first liquid dispensing outlet orifice 228 located on thebottom portion of liquid collection vessel 224.

Circumferential pliable seal 230 surrounds first liquid dispensingorifice 228 and forms a liquid tight seal between slide 226 and thecircumference of first liquid dispensing orifice 228. Slide 226 includessecond liquid dispensing outlet orifice 232 which penetrates top tobottom through slide 226.

When slide 226 is pushed fully in, as shown in FIG. 15a , only thenon-penetrated part of slide 226 is in contact with circumferentialpliable seal 230, thus preventing liquid from passing through dispensingoutlet 220.

When slide 226 is pulled fully outward, as shown in FIG. 15b , secondliquid dispensing outlet orifice 232 is directly below first liquiddispensing outlet orifice 228, thus forming a continuous opening whichallows the flow liquid through dispensing outlet 220.

To turn on and off the flow liquid through dispensing outlet 220, slide226 may be pulled out 234 and pushed in 236 manually using finger grip238.

Slide 226 may also be pulled out 234 and pushed in 236 using downwardprotruding member 240 to contact the upper rim of a liquid collectioncontainer placed below dispensing outlet 220. Here movement of the upperrim of the liquid collection container while pushing or pulling againstdownward protruding member 240 may move slide 226 from and to theposition shown in 15 a, where no liquid passes through outlet 220, fromand to the position shown in FIG. 15b , where liquid may pass throughoutlet 220. This may be a convenience for the user.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Eight

FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 as well as FIG. 16 enlargements, FIG. 16a , FIG.16b , and FIG. 16c , show a preferred embodiment for a liquid outputpassage. Liquid output passage 242 includes partially cylindricalpivoted cover 244 which conforms to and covers the outside of liquidoutput passage base 246 which has a partial cylindrical face which ispenetrated by first output orifice 248. Orifice 248 is surrounded bycircumferential pliant seal 250 which seals its periphery liquid tightagainst the inside face of pivoted cover 244. Pivoted cover 244 ispenetrated by second outlet orifice 252.

When pivoted cover 244 is pivoted upwards 254, as shown in FIGS. 16a and18, only the non-penetrated portion of pivoted cover 244 is sealedagainst circumferential pliant seal 250, and therefore liquid is notallowed to pass through liquid output passage 242. When pivoted cover244 is pivoted downwards 256, as shown in FIGS. 16b and 17, secondoutput orifice 252 is aligned in front of first output orifice 248, andtherefore liquid is allowed to pass through liquid output passage 242.

Up 254 and down 256 movement of pivoted cover 244 may be accomplished byfinger pressure against cover 244. It may also be accomplished using therim of a liquid collection vessel which liquid output passage 242 isfilling, by pushing the rim against projection 258, or againstprojection 260. This flexibility of actuation methods may be aconvenience for the user.

Lip 262 on the output side of second outlet orifice 252 helps to stopdripping as soon as pivoted cover 244 is moved to its raised positionshown in FIGS. 16a and 18.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Nine

FIGS. 19, 20, and 21, as well as FIG. 19 enlargements, FIG. 19a , FIG.19b and FIG. 19c , show a preferred embodiment of a liquid outletpassage 264 which is similar to that shown in FIGS. 16 through 18 exceptprojection 260 has been minimized. Similar appearing parts performsimilar functions.

In this preferred embodiment projection 266 is contacted when pivotedcover 268 is moved up 270 and down 272 under pressure from movement of aliquid collection vessel rim.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiments Ten, Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen

FIGS. 22 through 28 show 4 preferred embodiments for a centrifugaljuicer shredding disc. These all share on the outer portions of theshredding discs, shredding elements which may be similar to those foundin many of today's centrifugal juicers with different patterns of upwardfacing sharpened elements. The preferred embodiments differ in theshredding element found at each disc's centers. Here, raised shreddingelements provide a combination of food shredding movement and foodshredding chopping by engaging the food with asymmetric members.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a preferred embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 22 and23, diagonally disposed triangular blade 274 is located with its baseadjacent to the center of shredding disc 276. Each of the upwardextending edges on blade 274 may be dull or may be beveled forsharpness.

As shredding disc 276 rotates 278 it carves a portion of food descendingonto the center of shredding disc 276. Simultaneously, because blade 274is offset to disc 276 itself, it moves the food latterly in a vibratingmotion across the top of disc 276. Both of these actions help todisintegrate food.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show a preferred embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 24 and25, bent triangular blade 280 is mounted near the center of shreddingdisc 282. Each of the upward extending edges on blade 280 may be dull ormay be beveled for sharpness.

As shredding disc 282 rotates 284 it carves a portion of food descendingonto the center of shredding disc 282. Simultaneously, because blade 280is offset to disc 282 itself, it moves the food latterly in a vibratingmotion across the top of disc 282. Both of these actions help todisintegrate food.

FIGS. 26 and 27 show a preferred embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 26 and27, short pin 286 and long pin 288 are mounted adjacent to the center ofshredding disc 290.

As shredding disc 290 rotates 292 it shreds a portion of food descendingonto the center of shredding disc 290. Simultaneously, because short pin286 and long pin 288 are mounted asymmetrically on disc 290, they movethe food latterly in a vibrating motion across the top of disc 282. Bothof these actions help to disintegrate food.

FIG. 28 shows preferred embodiment shredding disc 294 with centralvertically disposed triangular blade 298. Each of the edges on blade 298may be dull or beveled for sharpness.

As shredding disc 294 rotates 296 it shreds a portion of food descendingonto the center of shredding disc 294. Simultaneously, because blade 298is offset to disc 294, it moves the food latterly in a vibrating motionacross the top of disc 294. Both of these actions help to disintegratefood.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Fourteen

FIG. 29, and enlargements of FIG. 29, FIG. 29a and FIG. 29b , show apreferred embodiment of centrifugal juicer 300.

Here, 2 interchangeable filter cones, 302, 304, each with a differentfilter mesh, 306, 308 respectively, are supplied with juicer 300. Byproviding more than one filter cone, each filter cone having a differentporosity filter mesh, extracted juices may be provided with more or lesspulp. This may be an important user feature as demonstrated by thegrocery store orange juice market which has individual sections forjuice with no pulp, some pulp, and heavy pulp.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Fifteen

FIGS. 30 through 38, including FIG. 38 enlargement, FIG. 38a ,illustrate a preferred embodiment of the subject application. Herecentrifugal juicer embodiment 309 is shown with, pusher plunger face 310which is pivotally 311 mounted to lever/handle 312, which in turn ispivotally 314 mounted to juicer lid 316.

Disposed directly adjacent to pusher plunger face 310 and connected toit, is wiper 318. FIG. 35 shows plunger face 310 fully lowered. FIG. 36shows embodiment 309 with lid 316 not shown for clarity of viewing innercomponents, and pusher plunger face 310 is shown also fully lowered asin FIG. 35. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, wiper 318 wipes against innerface 320 of truncated conical filter 322 when pusher plunger face 310 isfully lowered. In operation, when truncated conical filter 322 ispowered and spinning, contact of wiper 318 against inner face 320 oftruncated conical filter 322 cleans face 320. Wiper 318 may be: a brush,a stiff or flexible blade, one or more rigid or flexible segmentedblades, or may be made using other appropriate construction.

Automatically cleaning inner filter face 320 can be a major advantage toan embodiment user, first, because it makes simple what is normally atedious and difficult job to do, and second, because it improves theefficiency of filter 322 by wiper 318 cleaning debris off inner face 320which would otherwise clog filter 322.

Pusher plunger face 310 traverses generally vertically within feed chute324. FIGS. 30 and 31 show pusher plunger face 310 in its fully raisedposition. FIGS. 32 and 33 show pusher plunger face 310 partiallylowered. In FIGS. 34 through 37 pusher plunger face 310 is fullylowered. FIG. 38 is a partially exploded perspective view with pusherplunger face 310 fully lowered.

When pusher plunger face 310 is fully raised, as illustrated in FIGS. 30and 31, a safety interlock switch is activated by cam 326. Cam 326 islocated at the base of lever handle 312 directly adjacent to pivot 314.The activated safety interlock switch shuts off power to embodiment309's motor and will not allow operation of embodiment 309's motorunless pusher plunger face 310 is at least lowered to a predeterminedposition.

Thus, unless pusher plunger face 310 is at least partially lowered,there is no safety hazard posed from a hand extending through feed chute24 and coming in contact with a spinning shredder disc.

When comparing embodiment 309 to other centrifugal juicers, this allowsan usually large feed chute, approaching the full diameter of embodiment309's shredder disc, because hand entry into the feed chute isprevented, not by the diameter of the feed chute, or by its length as inother centrifugal juicers, but rather by the necessity for pusherplunger face 310 to be partially lowered and thus partially blocking theentry to feed chute 324 before embodiment 309's motor can be activated.

Embodiment 309 also shows the use of the elevated base shown in FIGS. 10through 12 and descriptions related to those figures given herein.

Embodiment 309 has internal liquid reservoir 328 which can be viewedthrough reservoir 328's generally vertical side walls 330 which have atleast a translucent section through which the contents of reservoir 328may be viewed to prevent overflowing reservoir 328, and/or to see thequality, content, and/or condition of the juice or other liquid withinreservoir 328, and/or for any other reason. Reservoir 328 receivesliquid which has passed through truncated conical filter 322.

Embodiment 309 uses output chute/valve 332 which is similar to thedevice illustrated in FIGS. 13, 13 a, 13 b, and 13 c herein anddescribed in the descriptions herein related those figures. Use of anoutlet which can be fully closed through valve action is fundamental tothe operation of internal liquid reservoir 328. By way of nonlimitingexamples, several outlets which can be fully closed are shown in FIGS.13 through 21 herein, and described in related specification thereto.

Internal liquid reservoir 328 allows juicing without requiring a glassor other liquid collection vessel being placed under output chute/valve332. This may be an advantage to the user who does not have to juggleglasses or other liquid collection vessels while simultaneously placingfruits, vegetables or other foods into embodiment 309.

A problem with centrifugal juicers is that usually the juice theyprovide separates within a few minutes after it is produced. Thisseparation changes both the appearance and taste of the fresh juice. Toprevent this, embodiment 309 has truncated cone mixing element 334 whichis attached to the bottom of inverted truncated conical filter 322, androtates with it when embodiment 309's motor is activated.

When rotating, element 334 mixes liquids within reservoir 328, thusovercoming the problems of juice and/or liquid separation.

The mixing ability of truncated cone mixing element 334 may be enhancedthrough the use of texturing or contouring or penetrating the innerand/or outer faces of element 334. By way of nonlimiting examples,element 334 is illustrated with holes 336 penetrating it surface, ribs338 disposed on its outer surface, and contoured lower rim 340 (FIG.36). Any combination of any or all of these elements, as well as amultitude of other devices such as, by way of additional nonlimitingexamples, rippling or bending or adding propeller-like blades to thesurface(s) of element 334, would suffice to enhance element 334's mixingaction.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Sixteen

FIGS. 39 through 42 show preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 368with feed chute 370 which rocks front 360 to back 362 and side 364 toside 366, or any diagonal between, to more efficiently shred food fedthrough chute 370 by allowing movement of food across shredding plate372.

Feed chute 370 is held in place by 4 pins (of which pins 374, 376, and378 are shown) which engage inside of 4 loosefitting openings 380, 382,384, and 386. The loose fit between the 4 pins and the 4 openings allowsfeed chute 370 a limited degree of rocking motion as shown by theghosted images in FIGS. 41 and 42 which in turn allows food fed throughfeed chute 370 to be exposed to shredding plate 372 a small portion at atime rather than exposing the full cross section of food being fedthrough feed chute 370 to shredding plate 372 all at once.

FIGS. 39 through 41 are perspective views each taken from identicalviewpoints. FIG. 42 is a front x-ray view of centrifugal juicer 368.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Seventeen

FIG. 43 shows preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 388 with pusherplunger 390 which is contoured on bottom surface 394 to reduceundesirable rotation of food fed through feed chute 392 with centrifugaljuicer 388 having its shredder disc rotating as shown by arrow 396.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Eighteen

FIG. 44 shows preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 398 with pusherplunger 400 which is contoured on bottom surface 402 to reduceundesirable rotation of food fed through feed chute 404 with centrifugaljuicer 388 having its shredder disc rotating as shown by arrow 406. FIG.44a is an enlargement illustration of the pusher plunger 400 which iscontoured on the bottom surface 402.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Nineteen

FIGS. 45, 46, and 47 show preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 408which uses cleaning brush 410 to remove debris from truncated conicalfilter 412.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer408, with cleaning brush 410 ready to be inserted 414 into lid 416through slot 418 where it will be brought into contact with inwardfacing surface 420 of truncated conical filter 412.

FIG. 46 is a perspective taken from the same viewpoint as FIG. 45. InFIG. 46, lid 416 is ghosted in to facilitate showing cleaning brush 410being inserted through slot 418 and contacting inner facing surface 420of truncated conical filter 412. In this position, cleaning brush 410wipes and cleans inner facing surface 420.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the underside of lid 416 with brush 410inserted through it.

The wiper on cleaning brush 410 may be a bristled brush, and/or may beone or more wiper blades made of pliant and/or rigid material(s), or maybe of other appropriate design.

In operation, the user may at any time clean inward facing surface 420of truncated conical filter 412 by manually inserting cleaning brush 410into slot 418 while embodiment 408's motor is operating.

Such cleaning is much easier than removing truncated conical filter 412and cleaning it in a sink. Also, by being able to easily clean filter412 at any time, it may improve the efficient use of embodiment 408 bymaintaining the efficiency of filter 412 through not having it cloggedwith debris.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Twenty

FIGS. 48 through 51 are perspective views that show centrifugal juicerembodiment 422 which has wiper 424 attached to the bottom of pusherplunger 426 where wiper 424 automatically cleans both the shredder discof embodiment 422 and inward facing surface 428 of truncated conicalfilter 430 each time pusher plunger 426 is fully inserted through feedchute 432 into lid 434 of embodiment 422 while embodiment 422's motor isoperating.

FIGS. 48 and 50 show wiper 424 ready to be inserted 436 into the bottomof pusher plunger 426.

FIG. 49 is taken from the same viewpoint as FIG. 48. In FIG. 49, lid 434is not shown so that truncated conical filter 430 might be more easilyviewed. In FIG. 49, pusher plunger 426 is fully lowered 438 and wiper424 is in contact with, and cleaning, both inward facing surface 428 oftruncated conical filter 430 and embodiment 422's shredder disc.

FIG. 50 is an underside perspective view of pusher plunger 426 withwiper 424 ready to be inserted into the bottom of pusher plunger 426.

FIG. 51 is an underside perspective view of pusher plunger 426 withwiper 424 fully inserted into the bottom of pusher plunger 426.

The wiping members 437 and 439 on wiper 424 may be bristled brushes,and/or may be each possessing one or more wiper blades made of pliantand/or rigid material(s), or may be of other appropriate design.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Twenty-One

FIGS. 52 through 57 show preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 440which has push button 442 leaf spring 452 returned cleaning brush 444inserted 446 through slot 448 in lid 450.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of embodiment 440 with cleaning brush 444ready to be inserted 446 into slot 448 and pusher plunger 454 ready tobe inserted 458 into feed chute 456.

FIG. 53 is a perspective taken from the same point of view as FIG. 52.In FIG. 53, pusher plunger 454 is fully inserted into feed chute 456 andcleaning brush 444 is inserted into, but not depressed 462 into, slot448.

FIG. 54 is a perspective that is taken from the same viewpoint as FIG.53, and is similar to FIG. 53 except in FIG. 54 cleaning brush 444 isfully depressed into slot 448 which, when the motor of embodiment 440 issimultaneously activated, causes cleaning of inner surface 464 oftruncated conical filter 460 by wiping member 466 disposed at the baseof cleaning brush 444 contacting inner surface 464 as shown in FIG. 57.

Leaf spring 452 biases upward cleaning brush 444 and returns cleaningbrush 444 to the upper position shown in FIGS. 53 and 56 when there isno downward pressure on pushbutton 442.

Wiping member 466 at the bottom of cleaning brush 444 may be a bristledbrush, and/or may be one or more wiper blades made of pliant and/orrigid material(s), or may be of other appropriate design.

This embodiment offers easy on-demand cleaning of truncated conicalfilter 460.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Twenty-Two

FIGS. 58 through 63 show preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 468which has inward directed pliable vertical ribs 470 disposed within feedchute 472.

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer468 with pliable vertical rib insert 474 removed from within feed chute472 and with pusher plunger 476 above pliable vertical rib insert 474and ready to be inserted 478.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view taken from the same viewpoint as FIG. 58.FIG. 59 shows both pliable vertical rib insert 474 and pusher plunger476 fully inserted into feed chute 472.

FIG. 60 is an overhead perspective looking down into pliable verticalrib insert 474. FIG. 61 is a direct overhead view of embodiment 468.

FIG. 62 is a perspective taken from the same viewpoint as FIG. 60. FIG.62 shows exemplary food 478 being inserted into pliable vertical ribinsert 474, and shows how inward directed pliable vertical ribs 470deflect, direct, and hold exemplary food 478 while it drops down ontothe shredder disc of embodiment centrifugal juicer 468. FIG. 63 is adirect overhead view of FIG. 62 depicting exemplary food 478 therein.

Inward directed pliable vertical ribs 470 allow a large feed openingwhile simultaneously impeding hand entry into feed chute 472. Thisoffers users both a benefit by having a feed opening which can acceptlarge articles of food without the necessity to cut them into smallerpieces, and a safety benefit by preventing accidents caused by usercontact with the shredder blade.

Inward directed pliable vertical ribs 470 also block food particlescreated and propelled by embodiment 468's shredder disc from exiting thetop of feed chute 472. This too is a safety benefit to the user. It alsohelps reduce messes on countertops, users, and adjacent floors.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Twenty-Three

Preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 480 is shown in FIGS. 64 through67. Preferred embodiment 480 has segmented pliable sheet cover 482covering entry 484 to feed chute 486.

Segmented pliable sheet cover 482 is comprised of multiple pliablesheets 488 which are in close proximity and are able to separate andbend to allow passage of articles of food through cover 482, as shown inFIG. 67, while being able to block entry 484 when food articles are notpassing through cover 482, as shown in FIG. 66.

A multitude of segment patterns is possible besides the radiatingpattern shown in FIGS. 64, 66 and 67. As a nonlimiting example,referring to FIGS. 90 and 90 a, a fishbone type of pattern is shown asan alternative.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view with segmented pliable sheet cover insertmember 488 ready to be inserted 490 into feed chute 486, and pusherplunger 492 ready to be subsequently inserted 494 through segmentedpliable sheet cover 482.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view taken from the same viewpoint as FIG. 64.It shows preferred embodiment 480 with segmented pliable sheet coverinsert member 488, and pusher plunger 492 fully inserted into feed chute486.

FIG. 66 is an overhead perspective view of preferred embodiment 480 withsegmented pliable sheet cover insert member 488 inserted into feed chute486. In this disposition, segmented pliable sheet cover 482 blocks entry484 to feed chute 486. This helps prevent accidents due to user contactwith the shredder disc and other internal moving parts of preferredembodiment 480. It also helps to prevent particles of food which havebeen created by the shredder disc of preferred embodiment 480 from beingpropelled by the shredder disc back out of entry 484 of feed chute 486.Food particles escaping entry 484 might cause countertop and usermesses, and might create a safety hazard from food particle impact.

FIG. 67 is an overhead perspective view of preferred embodiment 480taken from the same viewpoint as FIG. 66. FIG. 67 shows exemplary foodarticle 496 being inserted through segmented pliable sheet cover 482.While food article 496 is passing through segmented pliable sheet cover482 it is held by segments 498 of segmented pliable sheet cover 482which helps to stabilize and control food article movement. This isparticularly true of the elongated shape foods such as carrots andcelery, where segments 498 help to control rotational and vibrationalmovement.

Segmented pliable sheet cover 482 may be made of any of variety ofmaterials including, by way of nonlimiting examples: silicon or neoprenerubber, or various elastomers.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Twenty-Four

FIGS. 68 through 71 and including FIG. 71 enlargement, 71A, show apreferred embodiment, centrifugal juicer embodiment 342. Embodiment 342adds an additional juice extracting step to its juicing method.

Initially food is lowered through feed chute 344 onto shredding disc 346where the food is first disintegrated and, driven by centrifugal force,food escapes under lower edge 348 of feed chute 344.

Feed chute 344 is generally cylindrical except for vertical protrusion350 which runs the full height of chute 344. Protrusion 350 helps tostabilize food fed into chute 344 and prevent the food from spinningand/or having other undesirable motions.

Once escaping under lower edge 348 of feed chute 344, food particles,driven by centrifugal force, move up the inside of inverted truncatedcone filter 352.

Part way up the inside of inverted truncated cone filter 352, annularconverging wall 354 squeezes the food particles against the inside ofinverted truncated cone filter 352 resulting in additional liquid beingextracted from the food particles.

One or more roughened surfaces may aid in this additional liquidextraction process. As a nonlimiting example, shredder plates 356 withsharpened protrusions on their inward facing surfaces might be mountedon the inside of inverted truncated cone filter 352. Such plates could,by way of nonlimiting examples, be larger or smaller or of greater orlesser number than those illustrated in FIG. 70, and might even extendthe full inner diameter of inverted truncated cone filter 352. Theymight also be of different shape than those illustrated in FIG. 70 suchas, by way of nonlimiting examples, round or triangular. Their roughenedsurfaces might be sharp points, or might be linear or curved blade-likeprotrusions or might be textured like sandpaper.

As another nonlimiting example of such roughened surfaces, shredderplate 358 might be mounted on annular converging wall 354 as illustratedin FIG. 69. Again, by way of nonlimiting examples, such a plate could belarger or smaller or of greater number than that illustrated in FIG. 70,and might even extend the full outer diameter of annular converging wall354. It might also be of different shape than that illustrated in FIG.69, such as, by way of nonlimiting examples, round or triangular. Itsroughened surface might be sharp points, or might be linear or curvedblade-like protrusions or might textured like sandpaper.

Shredder plates 356 and 358 further disintegrate food particles passingthrough them and thereby extract additional liquid from the foodparticles they contact.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Twenty-Five

FIGS. 72 through 76 show preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 500.Preferred embodiment 500 has large feed chute 502 extending upward fromlid 504. Large feed chute 502 can have small feed chute 506 inserted 508into it. In turn, small feed chute 506 can have pusher plunger 510inserted 512 into it.

Activation rib member 514 on the side of small feed chute 506 passesthrough opening 516 on safety interlock switch stalk 518 when small feedchute 506 is being inserted 508 into large feed chute 502. Activationrib member 514, when passing through opening 516, activates safetyinterlock switch 520, which consequently permits embodiment centrifugaljuicer 500's motor to operate. As illustrated, the safety interlockswitch is located at the top of safety interlock switch stalk 518adjacent to opening 516. However, the safety interlock switch could belocated elsewhere, as by way of a nonlimiting example, be located insidethe lower housing of preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 500 and beactivated through mechanical means feeding through safety interlockswitch stalk 518.

Having safety interlock switch 520 which is activated by insertion ofsmall feed chute 506 into large feed chute 502, means that large feedchute 502 can be much larger in cross-section than a comparable feedchute which had to prevent through its feed chute length width anddepth, accidents associated with users touching through the feed chute,dangerous internal parts, such as shredder discs. Having a larger issuemay result in less food preparation time being needed because foods donot have to be cut a small in order to fit through the chute.

In use, the user inserts food articles into large feed chute 502 and,using small feed chute 506 possibly in combination with pusher plunger510 as a pusher plunger, pushes the inserted food through large feedchute 502 onto preferred embodiment 500's shredder disc where it isjuiced. Insertion of small feed chute 506 into large feed chute 502activates safety interlock switch 520 which causes preferred embodiment500's motor to be turned on and juicing to take place.

For smaller foods that don't require the feed chute size of large feedchute 502, small feed chute 506 may be inserted into large feed chute502 and preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 500 used in aconventional manner without relying for safety on safety interlockswitch 520 to turn off and on preferred embodiment 500's motor whilefeeding food articles into preferred embodiment 500.

Large feed chute 502 is mounted on lid 522 by trunk latches 524 and 526.Securing trunk latches 524 and 526 causes not only the securing of largefeed chute 502 to lid 522, but also causes lid 522 to be secured onlower body 528 of preferred embodiment 500.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Twenty-Six

FIGS. 77 through 81 show preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 530.Preferred embodiment 530 uses gripping pusher plunger 532 to grasp foodarticles being fed into, or already fed into, preferred embodiment 530.This grasping feature helps more positively feed food articles intopreferred embodiment 530, and helps reduce undesirable food movement,including rotation and vibration, which may be encountered while feedingfood articles into preferred embodiment 530. Gripping pushing plunger532 may also be used like a conventional pushing plunger to push anddirect foods onto preferred embodiment 530's shredder plate.

FIG. 77 is a perspective view of preferred embodiment 530 showingexemplary food article 534 being pushed through segmented pliable sheetfeed chute cover 536. Food articles may be introduced into preferredembodiment 530 in this manner, or by feeding the food articles directlyinto feed chute 538 when no pusher plunger is in place, or they may befed in using the gripping feature of gripping pusher plunger 532 to holdand lower in a controlled fashion food articles.

Preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 530 uses a safety interlockswitch as described earlier herein to prevent accidental user contactwith the spinning shredder disc of preferred embodiment 530.

FIG. 78 is a perspective view from the same vantage point as FIG. 77.FIG. 78 shows gripping pushing plunger 532 in its upper positionentering into feed chute 538 and gripping pushing plunger 532 holding afood article (which is out of view) while preparing to lower 540 thefood article into preferred embodiment 530 in a controlled manner.

FIG. 79 is a perspective view from the same vantage point as FIG. 78.Here, pusher plunger 532 has been fully lowered.

FIG. 80 is a perspective view taken from in front and below preferredembodiment centrifugal juicer 530. FIG. 80a is an enlarged of portion ofFIG. 80 as indicated in FIG. 80. Gripping pushing plunger 532 haspivoted jaws 542 and 544 which are suspended from pivots 545 and move in546 under squeezing hand pressure and out 548 under outward bias frominternal springs. At the end of each pivoted jaw there are grippingsurfaces which may include gripping teeth 550. In the alternative, andby way of nonlimiting examples, sandpaper-like roughened surfaces, orspikes, or raised ribs, etc. might be used with or without grippingteeth 554 or they may be each used alone or in combinations andpermutations with each other.

FIG. 81 is an exploded perspective view of preferred embodimentcentrifugal juicer 530.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Twenty-Seven

FIGS. 82 through 84 show preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 552which is similar to preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 530described earlier herein except gripping pusher plunger 554 and feedchute 556 are constructed differently than their counterparts found onpreferred embodiment 530. Here, there is only one gripping plate 558which swings on pivots about vertical axis 568 inside outer walls 560 ofgripping pusher plunger 554.

Preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 552 offers similar benefits topreferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 530.

Gripping plate 558 is moved to its in position as shown in FIG. 82, andshown by ghosted lines 572 in FIG. 83, through finger pressure on rearwall 576 of gripping plate 558. As shown in FIG. 84, rear window 578through outer walls 560 allow finger access to rear wall 576 of grippingplate 558.

Gripping plate 558 is moved to its out position as shown by solid lines570 in FIG. 83 under bias from internal springs. FIG. 82 is aperspective view taken from below and in front of preferred embodiment552. FIG. 82 shows gripping pusher plunger 554 holding exemplary foodarticle 574 with gripping plate 558 in its pivoted in or grippingposition.

FIG. 83 is a perspective view of gripping pusher plunger 554 taken frombelow and in front of gripping pusher plunger 554. FIG. 83 showsgripping plate 558 with solid lines 570 in its pivoted out position, andit shows gripping plate 558 in ghosted lines 572 in its pivoted inposition holding exemplary food article 574 which is also ghosted, inits grasp.

FIG. 84 is a perspective view of gripping pusher plunger 554 taken fromabove and behind gripping pusher plunger 554. It, like FIG. 83, showsexemplary food article 574 being gripped by gripping pusher plunger 554in its pivoted in position.

Gripping pusher plunger 554 is generally cylindrical and has generallycylindrical gripping plate 558 pivoted 562 forward 564 and rearward 566on vertical axis 568 inside pusher plunger 554's outer walls 560.

Gripping plate 558 has teeth 580 on its interior surface to aid ingripping food articles. Other texturing might be used to hold foodarticles such as, by way of nonlimiting examples, a sandpaper likefinish, small spikes, waffle patterns, etc.

Also portions of the interior of outer walls 560 might be textured in asimilar manner to aid in gripping food articles.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Twenty-Eight

FIGS. 85 and 86 show preferred embodiment centrifugal juicer 582 whichhas feed chute 584 that has pivots 592 to allow it to rotate up 588 to ause position as shown in FIG. 85, and down 590 to a more compactshipping and storage position, as shown in FIG. 86.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Twenty-Nine

FIGS. 87 through 90 including FIG. 90 enlargement, FIG. 90a , showpreferred embodiment blender 594.

FIG. 87 is a perspective of preferred embodiment blender 594. FIG. 88 isan x-ray perspective taken from the same viewpoint as FIG. 87. FIG. 89is a right side view of preferred embodiment blender 594 with variousinternal components including, but not limited to, inclined motor 596,shown in ghosted lines. FIG. 90 is an exploded perspective view ofpreferred embodiment blender 594. FIG. 90a is an enlarged this of aportion of FIG. 90 as indicated in FIG. 90.

Preferred embodiment blender 594 has inclined motor 596 mounted to thebottom of blending container 598 using motor mount 600 which is disposedgenerally at right angles to inclined motor drive shaft 602. Blendingcontainer 598 has open bottom 604 which attaches blade mount 606 androtary blade 608 which is rotationally mounted to blade mount 606.

Blending container 598 has a generally vertical orientation. Located onforward face 610 of blending container 598 are valve 612 and pour spout614. Mounted between valve 612 and pour spout 614 is first filter mesh616. Second filter mesh 618 is part of preferred embodiment blender 594and has a filter mesh which allows coarser solids through it than isallowed by first filter mesh 616. Thus the amount of solids, such aspulp, contained in liquids, and semi-liquids dispensed through valve 612and pour spout 614 can be controlled by substituting different filtermeshes with one another, such as substituting first filter mesh 618 withsecond filter mesh.

Filter meshes 616 and 618 are each U-shaped in plan view and are mountedinto forward blending container channel 620. Pour spout 614 is mountedat the top of or blending container channel 620 and valve 612 is mountedat the bottom of forward blending container channel 620. Thus in orderfor liquid to exit blending container 598 through either valve 612 orpour spout 614, the liquid must pass through a filter mesh, such asfirst filter mesh 616 or second filter mesh 618.

Mounted on the back of blending container 598 is handle 622 which helpsin manipulating blending container 598. Such manipulation may include,but is not limited to, mounting and dismounting blending container 598from blender base 624, as well as pouring liquid from pour spout 614 andplacing blending container 598 in a refrigerator or elsewhere.

Channels 626 hold blending container 598 as do mounting detent 628, toblender base 624. Together they mount blending container 598 in agenerally vertical orientation. Frustum conical drive coupling 630couples inclined motor 596 to blade 608 and allows, along with channels626 and mounting detent 628, blending container 598 to be mounted anddismounted from blender base 624 through vertically lifting or droppingblending container 598 away from or onto blender base 624. This in turnmay simplify and make more intuitive mounting and dismounting blendingcontainer 598 from blender base 624.

Having inclined motor 596 being mounted at angle to the generallyvertical orientation of blending container 598 offers several potentialadvantages. As a nonlimiting example, the bulk of the weight ofrelatively heavy inclined motor 596 is more behind the center of mass ofblending container 598 than if inclined motor 596 were not inclined,which helps prevent preferred embodiment blender 594 from fallingforward. By lessening the need for protruding forward facing countertopsupports or extended forward facing outlet valves, this potentiallysaves countertop space.

As another nonlimiting example, the spatial mass of inclined motor 596is also more behind the center of spatial mass of blending container 598than if inclined motor 596 were not inclined, which allows valve 612space to be located more under the center of mass of blending container598 rather than protrude outward. This also potentially saves countertopspace.

As another nonlimiting example, in combination with the configuration ofblending container 598, the inclination of blade 608 may improve theflow of blending materials within blending container 598, at leastbecause a vortex created by blade 608 will be inclined into forward face610 of blending container 598 and be deflected. This can reduce blendingineffectiveness caused by vertical blending vortexes.

FIG. 90 shows lid 632 which utilizes segmented pliable sheet cover 634which has radial segmentation pattern 636. It also shows lid 638 whichhas fishbone segmentation pattern 640. FIG. 90a shows how fishbonesegmentation pattern 640 allows exemplary food article 642 to passthrough it. These patterns demonstrate by way of nonlimiting examples,that segmented pliable sheet covers can be made in many geometricsegmentation forms.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Thirty

FIGS. 91 through 93 show preferred embodiment blender 644 with grippingpusher plunger 646. FIG. 91 is a perspective view of gripping pusherplunger 646 with its open arm non-grasping disposition shown in solidlines 648, and its clamping arm grasping disposition shown in ghostedlines 650.

FIG. 92 is a perspective view of preferred embodiment blender 644 withgrasping pusher plunger 646 ready to be inserted 654 through pliablesegmented sheet lid 652 into blending container 656.

FIG. 93 is a perspective view taken from the same vantage point as FIG.92, but after grasping pusher plunger 646 has been inserted intoblending container 656 through pliable segmented sheet lid 652.

Gripping pusher plunger 646 is comprised of a first arm 658 and a secondarm 660. First arm 658 is pivoted on its upper end on pivot point 662and on a second mirror image pivot point which is on the opposite sideof first arm 658 and not shown. Second arm 660 is pivoted on its upperend on pivot point 664 and on a second mirror image pivot point which ison the opposite side of second arm 660 and not shown.

Movement of first arm 658 and second arm 660 is controlled by fingergrip 666 located adjacent to pivot point 662 and by an opposing mirrorimage finger grip which is not shown and is located at the top of secondarm 660 adjacent to pivot point 664.

Inward finger pressure 668 on the two finger grips causes grippingpusher plunger 646 to move from its open arm nongrasping dispositionshown in solid lines in FIG. 91, to its clamping arm graspingdisposition shown in ghosted lines in FIG. 91.

First arm 658 and second arm 666 are spring biased 670 away from oneanother with internal spring. Relaxation of finger pressure against thetwo finger grips causes gripping pusher plunger 646 to move from itsclamping arm grasping disposition shown in ghosted lines in FIG. 91 toits open arm nongrasping disposition shown in solid lines in FIG. 91.

Gripping pusher plunger 646 can be used to insert food into preferredembodiment blender 644 as shown in FIGS. 92 and 93 and direct food whileit is in blending container 656. It can also be used as a conventionalblender plunger, similar to that found on VitaMix™ brand blenders.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Thirty-One

FIGS. 94 and 95 show preferred embodiment blender 672. Preferredembodiment blender 672 has support platform 674 hinged to its forwardface on pivot 676 and on a mirror image pivot not shown which is locatedon the opposite side of support platform 674.

For compact storage or shipment or for other purposes, support platform674 can be placed in its vertical position as shown in FIG. 94.

To help stabilize preferred embodiment blender 672, support platform 674can be pivoted down 678 to the disposition shown in FIG. 95. Fingeroperated lock 680 adjacent to pivot 676 holds support platform 674 inits lowered position as shown in FIG. 95.

Preferred embodiment blender 672 has shutoff valve 682 located at thebase of blending container 684. This permits liquids within blendingcontainer 684 to be dispensed through shutoff valve 682.

Shutoff valve 682 is constructed in a similar manner to liquid outletpassage 264 shown in FIGS. 16, 16 a, 16 b, and 16 c except in additionto projection 258 which may be controlled by movement of a liquidcollection vessel against projection 258, shutoff valve 682 also hasfinger grips 686 which may be used to manually open and close shutoffvalve 682.

Exemplary Preferred Embodiment Thirty-Two

FIGS. 96 and 97 show perspective views of preferred embodiment blender688 taken from identical viewpoints.

Preferred embodiment blender 688 is similar to preferred embodimentblender 672 except instead of support platform 690 pivoting down to bedeployed, support platform 690 telescopes out 692 from under preferredembodiment blender 688.

In its retracted position, shown in FIG. 96, preferred embodimentblender 688 is made more compact for shipping, storage or otherpurposes. In its telescoped out position, shown in FIG. 97, supportplatform 674 helps to stabilize preferred embodiment blender 688 andprovides a resting platform for liquid collecting vessels such asexemplary glass 694.

Preferred embodiments of the subject application described hereinillustrate underlying ideas and principles. The scope of any letters ofpatent issued as a result of this specification shall be limited only bythe claims granted by the Patent and Trademark Office and the legalequivalents of those claims.

Many other embodiments of the subject application will be obvious to oneknowledgeable in the art. Such embodiments shall be consideredinfringements, if they practice inventions described by granted claimsand/or legal equivalents to those claims.

I claim:
 1. A device to disintegrate comestible articles, comprising: acontainment vessel with a floor and generally tubular sidewallsprojecting upwardly from the floor; a power rotatable agitator disposedwithin the containment vessel above and proximate to the floor, theagitator operable to both agitate and disintegrate comestible articlesplaced within the containment vessel; a power source configured torotate the agitator; a support housing which encloses the power sourceand which is structured to removably mount the containment vessel; avertical depression formed in the generally tubular sidewalls, whereinthe depression is configured to receive a first filtering cover whichcaps an inward opening portion of the depression, forming anintermediate chamber, and the intermediate chamber having an outlet incommunication with the exterior of the containment vessel wherein theoutlet comprises a pour spout disposed proximate to the top of theintermediate chamber.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the outletcomprises a valve disposed proximate to the bottom of the intermediatechamber.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the power rotatable agitatorhas an oblique plane of rotation.
 4. The device of claim 1, whereinthere is a second filtering cover, configured to be interchangeable withthe first filtering cover, and the second filtering cover configured toallow transmission through it of materials which are different from thefirst filtering cover.
 5. A device to disintegrate comestible articles,comprising: a containment vessel with a floor and generally tubularsidewalls projecting upwardly from the floor; a power rotatable agitatordisposed within the containment vessel above and proximate to the floor,the agitator operable to both agitate and disintegrate comestiblearticles placed within the containment vessel; a power source configuredto rotate the agitator; a support housing which encloses the powersource and which is structured to removably mount the containmentvessel; a vertical depression formed in the generally tubular sidewallsforming an intermediate chamber, the depression having a valve outletcoupled proximate to a lower portion thereof, wherein the depression isconfigured to receive a first filtering cover which caps an inwardopening portion of the depression, wherein the filtering cover separatesan interior of the depression from an interior of the containmentvessel, wherein the depression is configured to receive a secondfiltering cover comprising a different filtering porosity than afiltering porosity of the first filtering cover and which isinterchangeable with the first filtering cover, and wherein the outletcomprises a pour spout disposed proximate to the top of the intermediatechamber.
 6. A device to disintegrate comestible articles, comprising: acontainment vessel including a floor and a generally tubular sidewallprojecting upwardly from the floor; a power rotatable agitator disposedwithin the containment vessel above and proximate to the floor, and theagitator operable to both agitate and disintegrate comestible articlesplaced within the containment vessel; a power source configured torotate the agitator; a support housing which encloses the power sourceand which is configured to removably mount the containment vessel; adepression formed outwardly and longitudinally in the generally tubularsidewall, the depression including a pour spout coupled to an upperportion thereof and a removable first filtering cover which caps aninward opening portion of the depression, the filtering cover separatingan interior of the depression from an interior of the containmentvessel; the depression further configured to receive a removable secondfiltering cover which having a different filtering porosity than that ofthe first filtering cover, wherein the second filter cover is configuredto be interchangeable with the first filtering cover.